Generic name: levetiracetam (oral/injection) [ LEE-ve-tye-RA-se-tam ]
Brand names: Elepsia XR, Keppra, Keppra XR, Roweepra, Spritam, Roweepra XR
Dosage forms: intravenous solution (100 mg/mL; 1000 mg/100 mL-NaCl 0.75%; 1500 mg/100 mL-NaCl 0.54%; 250 mg/50 mL-NaCl 0.82%; 500 mg/100 mL-NaCl 0.82%), ... show all 5 dosage forms oral solution (100 mg/mL), oral tablet (1000 mg; 250 mg; 500 mg; 750 mg), oral tablet, dispersible (1000 mg; 250 mg; 500 mg; 750 mg), oral tablet, extended release (1000 mg; 1500 mg; 500 mg; 750 mg)
Drug class: Pyrrolidine anticonvulsants

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Apr 29, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is levetiracetam?

Levetiracetam is used alone or together with other medicines to treat certain types of seizures in people with epilepsy, including partial onset seizures, myoclonic seizures, and tonic-clonic seizures.

Levetiracetam is used to treat myoclonic seizures in people who are at least 12 years old and also used to treat primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in people with certain types of epilepsy who are at least 6 years old.

When used for partial onset seizures:

• the levetiracetam extended-release tablet is for adults and children at least 12 years old.

• the levetiracetam tablet for oral suspension is for children at least 4 years old who weigh at least 44 pounds (20 kilograms).

• other levetiracetam brand forms may be used in adults and children at least 1 month old.

Levetiracetam injection is usually given only if you are unable to take the medicine by mouth. Some brand forms of levetiracetam injection are for use only in people who are at least 16 years old.

Levetiracetam may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Levetiracetam side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Tell your doctor right away if you have new or sudden changes in mood or behavior, including new or worse depression or anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, more active or talkative, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Levetiracetam may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• confusion, hallucinations, extreme drowsiness, feeling very weak or tired;

• loss of balance or coordination, problems with walking or movement;

• a skin rash, no matter how mild; or

• low blood cell counts--fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath.

Common side effects of levetiracetam may include:

• dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness, weakness;

• feeling aggressive or irritable;

• loss of appetite, nausea;

• stuffy nose, sore throat, runny nose; or

• infections, including the flu.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking seizure medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you have any sudden changes in mood or behavior, or thoughts about suicide.

Seizures may increase if you stop using levetiracetam suddenly. Ask your doctor before stopping the medicine.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use levetiracetam if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• depression, a mood disorder, or suicidal thoughts or actions

• high blood pressure;

• mental illness or psychosis; or

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis).

Do not give levetiracetam to a child without medical advice. Certain brand forms of this medicine are for use only in children of certain ages.

Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking seizure medicine. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your family or caregivers should also watch for sudden changes in your behavior.

Do not start or stop seizure medication during pregnancy without your doctor's advice. It is not known if levetiracetam will harm an unborn baby, but having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby. Ask your doctor about this risk. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of levetiracetam on the baby.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

How should I use levetiracetam?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

You may take levetiracetam oral with or without food.

Levetiracetam injection is given into a vein by a healthcare provider.

Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Doses are based on weight in children and teenagers. Your child's dose may change if the child gains or loses weight.

Measure liquid medicine with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush or chew it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unable to swallow a whole tablet. Do not use a tablet that is damaged in any way.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided to you on how to prepare and take levetiracetam tablet for oral suspension. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Part of the extended-release tablet may appear in your stool, but this will not make the medicine less effective.

Your kidney function and blood pressure may need to be checked often. Keep all follow-up visits with your healthcare provider.

Seizures may increase if you stop using levetiracetam suddenly. Ask your doctor before stopping the medicine. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Related/similar drugs

gabapentin, clonazepam, lamotrigine, pregabalin, lorazepam, diazepam, topiramate

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take levetiracetam oral as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

In a medical setting you are not likely to miss a dose of levetiracetam injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, agitation, aggression, shallow breathing, weakness, or fainting.

What should I avoid while using levetiracetam?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how levetiracetam will affect you. Dizziness or loss of balance or coordination can cause falls, accidents, severe injuries, or may impair your reactions.

What other drugs will affect levetiracetam?

Other drugs may affect levetiracetam, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2024 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 15.01.